Drug-Coated Stents, Plavix and Surgery

The emerging phenomenon of late restenosis of drug-coated stents is creating a growing dilemma for both cardiologists and their patients. How long must clopidogrel (Plavix) be used? Is it ever safe to stop Plavix - even if surgery should become necessary? What should cardiologists be telling their patients before inserting a drug-coated stent, and what should patients be asking? Read about this dilemma, and how you should be thinking about it, here.